Travelling + Anxiety

Usually when you’re travelling, the destination is so exciting that the travelling part, for most people, is not entirely bothersome. However, when you have high anxiety, travelling is the most stressful and terrifying part of the trip. ESPECIALLY if you’re leaving the country, because no one wants to get in trouble internationally. I recently went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for the first time. I have been to the United States, but no other countries. Having been to the U.S. multiple times, I thought I was perfectly ready to go through the Mexican border, thinking I knew what to expect and that it would be smooth sailing. Mind you, I was also travelling with two people who have never left the country so they’re inexperienced in this field. I figured that, like the U.S., we would go through security, then customs and answer questions like I always have. NOPE. Not the case whatsoever! Apparently, you go through customs once you get there??? So as you can imagine, I am panicking. In silence of course because I can’t worry the other two who are just going with the flow. If you’re anything like me, you set plans and are very “Type A” when it comes to things like travelling. And now, everything has been thrown off course which throws me off course. I get on the plane anyway, because I can’t let my anxiety stop me from such an experience, and go through customs once we land, which ends up being them scanning my passport and us filling out a form. However, it was in Spanish so everyone who just got off our flight was crowded around the English version trying to translate. Anxiety has once again kicked in! The military is also scary in Mexico and I really do NOT want to mess with them by checking the wrong box, so I read through it very, very carefully, even if it meant growing the impatience of the people I was travelling with. Sometimes, having anxiety may annoy some but is a very vital instinct for others. The duration of the stay was fantastic, as I had done a lot of research prior to my vacation on how to stay safe and ensure I end up back home. Anxiety makes you think about those sorts of things. I stayed in the resort, enjoyed the beach, kept my important documents on me and/or in my sight at all times, and only left the resort with at least one person, never alone. I would say, if you have anxiety, don’t let it stop you from exploring new places and experiencing new adventures, but trust your instincts and use it to your advantage to keep yourself safe. Anxiety can be used as a perfect tool.